Apparatus for refining metal



June 16, *1925.

R. F. AGRICOLA APPARATUS FOR RBE'INIIGIETAL mea upv. 1v.

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Patented June 16, 1925'.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD F. AGRICOLA, 0F SAGINAW, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-THIRD TO KARLA. AGRICOLA AND ONE-THIRD T0 WILLIAM L. AGRICOLA, BOTH 0F DETROIT,

MICHIGAN APPARATUS FOR Application led November To all whom it mayconcern:

Be it known that I, RICHARD F. AGRlCoLA, a citizen of the United Statesof America, residing at Saginaw, in the county of Saglnaw and State ofMlchigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatusfor Relining Metal, of which the following is a specification, referencebeing had therein to the accompanying drawings. The invention relates toapparatus used for the refining of metals and alloys and forms adivision in part of my coendin application, Serial Number 423,565, ledNovember 12, 1920.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for introducing alinx, or otherl purifying material, into a gaseous current which may beconducted into the molten mass of the metal to be refined therebybringing ythe purifying material into intimate contact with all parts ofthe molten metal and eliminating the impurities by forming a slag on thesurface of the metal.

In order to accomplish this purpose I have devised the apparatusillustrated in the accompanying drawin s, which are hereinafter morefully describe Figure 1 is a vertical section of the apparatus;

Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

A represents a Crucible containing a quantity of molten metal, such, forinstance, as aluminum. B is a pipe or conduit leading from a suitablesource of air or steam under pressure and extending down into the massof molten metal to near the bottom of the Crucible. Mounted upon theconduit B above the surface .of the molten metal is a receptacle orcontainer C surroundingthe conduit D and forming an annular chamber Dtherebetween. As shown, this container comprises thecylindrical casing Ethreadedly secured to top and bottom portions F and G respectively, theformer being suitably secured to the conduit B and the latter forming aninclined annular wall H forming the bottom of the chamber D. The bottommember G is also rovided with the aperture I forming a bearing for thesleeve valve J, the latter being rotatable about the conduit B andsupported by means of the annular flange K resting upon the cooperatingan- REFININ G- METAL.

17, 1923. `Serial No. 675,394.

nular Harige .L on the bottom member G. The sleeve valve J is providedwith a series of longitudinal slots M arranged to register in oneposition of rotatveadjustment with the cooperating slots N in theconduit B, these slots beiner located near the bottom of the receptacleFor regulating the valve there is provided a handle O secured to thesleeve valve J b suitable means, such as the set screw P. he apparatusmay also be provided with the valves Q and R respec g tively locatedabove and below the receptacle C.

With this construction of apparatus a purifying material is placed inthe receptacle C surrounding the conduit B and lilling the annularchamber D. The specific material used depends upon the metal or alloy tobe puried but when used for the manufacture of aluminum castings it ispreferable to employ as a flux a mixture of 25% lime or fluor-spar, 25%sodium carbonate, and of charcoal or other form of carbon. This materialis introduced into the receptacle `C in a pulverized form with theingredients thoroughly mixed.

In the operation of the apparatus, the

valves R and Q are opened whereupon air or steam under ressure will beforced through the conduit B into the molten material in the receptacleA. The sleeve valve J is regulated to admit a certain amount of thepulverized flux through the cooperat- .u ing ports M and N into thegaseous stream where it will be carried in suspension into the moltenmaterial. The agitation of the molten metal will bring all parts thereofinto intimate contact with the tiux or purifying material and theundesirable impurities will chemically react therewith to form a slagrising to the top of the metal.`

While I have specifically described the apparatus used for purifyingaluminum it is obvious that the same apparatus may be employed vforpurifying other non-ferrous alloys, such as copper, brass, bronze, lead,Zinc, etc., in which case the flux or purifying material placed in thereceptacle C is selected with reference to the particular metal undertreatment.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In an a paratus for purifying metals, the combination with areceptacle for holding molten metal, of a container for the tin, l*

purifying material, a conduit passing through said container andextending into said molten mass for conveying a gaseous currentthereinto, and means for introducing said purifying material into saidconduit in a finely divided state.

2. In an apparatus for purifying metals, the combination with areceptacle for holding molten metal, and a, conduit extending into themolten mass for conveying a gaseous mixture thereinto, of a containerfor purifying material secured to said conduit to surround the same,said container communicating with said conduit through an adjustableopening in the latter near the bottom of said container.

3. In an apparatus for purifying metals, the combination with areceptacle for holding molten metal, of a container for the purifyingmaterial, a conduit passing through said container and provided with aport communicating therewith near the bottom of said Container, saidconduit extending into said molten metal, and a valve for controllingthe amount of purifying material admitting into said conduit from thereceptacle.

4. In an apparatus for purifying-metals, the combination with areceptacle for holding molten metal, and a. conduit extending into themolten mass for conveying a gaseous current thereinto, of a receptaclefor a puri- Jtying material surrounding said conduit and secured to thesame, a sleeve valve rotatably mounted on said conduit and provided Withan aperture registering` in one position with an opening in said conduitnear the bottom of said container, and means 'l'or rotating said sleevevalve to regulate the amount of said purifying material admitted.

5. An apparatus for purifying metal comprising a tubular member forconveying a gaseous mixture into a molten mass, said member beingprovided with a series of peripherally spaced ports, a rotatable sleevesurrounding said tubular member and provided with cooperating portsregistrable with the ports in said tubular member, a receptacle for thepurifying material supported on said tubular member above the moltenmass and surrounding said ports, said container having a bottom portionextending slightly below said ports and forming a support for saidsleeve, and a handle secured to said sleeve below said container forregulating the amount of purifying material introduced into saidtubularmember.

In testimon whereofI aix m si nature.

R CHARD` F. AG I OLA.

